I don’t think anyone would disagree that Covid really messed with a lot of what used to be “normal.” That also goes for changes that occurred when Walt Disney World reopened in July 2020. Character meals have always been a BIG deal and I know we were all anxious to know what these would look like, and probably most importantly to many people, if they would be “worth it.”

I made it a point to eat at two different character meals on my most recent trip so I could give the scoop on what the interaction, menus, and prices are like currently. I enjoyed breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace at Riviera Resort with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, and dinner at Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy.

Here is what you need to know about character dining at the moment:

1. Interaction:

In a word: great! I was unsure of what this would be like since I was so used to characters coming to the table for hugs and autographs....

Don't miss Remy's arrival! On October 1, 2021 to celebrate the Walt Disney World Resort's 50th Anniversary, the BRAND NEW Remy's Ratatouille Adventure attraction will open in the France pavilion of Epcot's World Showcase! Be a part of history and visit during the World's Most Magical Celebration!

Beginning October 1, 2021, new and exciting experiences abound throughout the entire resort. Let the trusted travel experts at Destinations to Travel be your planning partner to ensure you get the absolute MOST out of your days at Walt Disney World. 

GET A FREE QUOTE HERE (seriously, no obligation to book-but their services are FREE when you do, so really, why not?)

“To all who come to this happy place – welcome.” After more than 30 trips to Walt Disney World, I finally made my first visit to Disneyland. I waited over 30 years for it, and it was well worth the wait. I knew I would go back again, but little did I know that Covid would delay things longer than I expected. I did a lot of research prior to the first Disneyland vacation, so I knew there were key differences as well as many similarities. A few of my observations about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom vs Disneyland:

Castle

When I told people I would be going to Disneyland, every single person I talked to said the same thing: “You know the castle is a lot smaller, right?” Yes, Sleeping Beauty Castle is considerably smaller, but it is THE original castle. This castle stands at 77 feet, while Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle is 189 feet. Even with the size difference, I stood in awe at the beginning of Main Street, U.S.A. This was Walt’s...

Truth bomb, I have JUST returned home from Disney World. (As in not even 48 hours ago, you're familiar with that level of sadness, right?) I was on the plane coming home, the post-Disney trip blues already starting to wash over me and I had that moment where I thought, "How can I be excited about planning trips when my own trip is already in the bag?! I know, I know, selfish, first-world problems, but I'm nothing if not honest. Then...I saw that precious blue box sitting on my counter. WHAT A TREAT to come home to my Plussing It Launch Box! (Cue the angels singing...)

It's some kind of crazy kismet that these monthly boxes somehow always know exactly what I need each month, even before I know! Over the last few months, every box has had a couple of things that I have been DESPERATE to restock because they are just SUCH clever items. However in this month's box...EVERY item fits that bill. I need more, more, MORE...MORRRRE!

On our way home from Disney, we were plotting our...

The Walt Disney World Resort turns 50 this year and they are knocking this party out of the theme park ALL YEAR LONG! Be a part of history and visit during the World's Most Magical Celebration!

Beginning October 1, 2021, new and exciting experiences abound throughout the entire resort. Let our trusted partner travel experts at Destinations to Travel be your planning partner to ensure you get the absolute MOST out of your days at Walt Disney World. 

GET A FREE QUOTE HERE (seriously, no obligation to book-but their services are free when you do, so really, why not?)

I have such a love/hate relationship with summer. I claim to love it, I wish for it all year long, I even rub it in winter's face all season long how much I miss and love summer. Then summer comes, and like clockwork (or sun dial work) I am the FIRST to complain about the heat. I still inevitably will visit Walt Disney World this summer even if it means sweating bullets from every last pore...but it's SUMMER! I have to! Longer days, funky tan lines, ice cream for dinner and just a more laid back frame of mind are all things I LOVE about summer. This June Launch Box was the perfect blend of summery fun without all the sweaty messiness. 

I love how this month was bundled up, swaddled like my own little bundle of Travel Agent love. (Let's make Christmas in June a thing, because that's what tearing into that tissue felt like!) Okay, maybe it's obnoxious, but BECAUSE I DO have a trip coming up in less than a month I looked this box over and thought, "Ohhhh yeahhhh, that's...

You’ve, no doubt by now, heard about this new cookie place in Disney Springs. Gideon’s Bakehouse came on the scene in January 2021 and people have been singing their praises ever since. I mean, a ½ pound cookie? Yes, please! Because of the popularity, there should be some strategy involved if you plan to visit. In fact, I have 3 pieces of info that I think everyone needs to know.

The Line

This is probably the #1 item for anyone interested in visiting Gideon’s Bakehouse. Because it is a must-do for so many, the line can become VERY long. There really isn’t physical space for such a long line, so Gideon’s uses a virtual queue most days.

My advice: head straight there when you arrive at Disney Springs. If it isn’t crowded enough for a virtual queue, you will be allowed to line up and enter the bakery. If there is a virtual queue, though, there will be an employee or two outside with tablets taking your contact info. They will take your name...

In Part 1 of ‘What Makes the Grand Floridian GRAND’, we talked about walking paths, Christmas decor, the spa, and rooms with a view. In Part 2, you are in for even MORE amazing reasons to visit or stay at this spectacular resort.

Lobby: The sights, the sounds, the smells. There is nothing grander than the lobby of the Grand Floridian. Once upon a time, you could enjoy an orchestra nightly and a piano player throughout the day. I’m still holding onto hope that these entertainers will eventually return. In the meantime, you can relax while waiting for your room or dining reservation in any of the super comfy chairs and couches. Be sure to take a look at the gems like the giant birdcage, elevator, and grand staircase. Also, be sure to take in the scents even through your masks. I’ve searched high and low for candles that represent the lobby smell. I’ve come close, but not yet found “the one.” Leave a comment if you found the perfect match for...